Marin Snapshot: Tiburon native Dresow returns to football field as coach in Denmark

TIBURON NATIVE Keegan Dresow comes from a family of lawyers. His father was a lawyer, his brother Charles is a lawyer, and he has a law degree himself.

So naturally he's coaching American football in Denmark.

Dresow, 28, who played for Redwood High School, is the head coach of the semi-pro Avedore Monarchs, part of the 23-year-old Danish American Football Federation, and also coaches the club's youth programs. The federation's top teams compete in a five-month season that leads to a national title game, the Mermaid Bowl.

Dresow, interviewed by email, is starting his second year in Avedore, just outside Copenhagen. He is also the author of a new book, "Offensive Football Systems," available on Amazon.

Q: How did you decide to skip lawyering and go coach football in Denmark, of all places?

A: The job market was terrible. My girlfriend (now wife) is Danish. I got an opportunity to live with her in Denmark and do something I've always wanted to do, so I jumped at the chance.

Q: Did you speak any Danish before going over?

A: No. The municipality offers classes, and I've advanced to an intermediate level. But in practice, everyone speaks English here and I've got a long way to go with my Danish.

Q: People might be surprised to learn there is organized football in Denmark. How popular is it?

A: It's a niche with a dedicated following. They televise the NFL every week, and they've started showing college football too. There are about 60 clubs playing football here, last I heard.

Q: Do Danish football players preen like American ones?

A: Haha, I'm not sure. I think everywhere, most players aren't in it to show off, but they want to look good in their uniform.

Q: Is it weird telling people you're competing for a berth in the "Mermaid Bowl?"

A: Some people might think it's funny, but I don't mind.

Q: A United Nations report last year named Denmark as the happiest country on Earth. What's their secret?

A: There have been studies showing that people trust each other and the government more. They've got good bike paths and public transportation, a shorter work week and five or six weeks of vacation. Health care and university degrees are free (students even get a stipend to study), so people don't have to worry as much about being in debt. I think it all adds up.

Q: Do you like herring?

A: I like almost all the traditional food over here, but not that! It's not bad, just not my favorite. But the food is great here and everyone seems to cook well. I guess that's another reason why people are happy.